NEW PLYMOUTH.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VI, Issue 709, 3 June 1879, Page 2

NEW PLYMOUTH.

This Day. A large public meeting, convened by the Mayor, was held yesterday to I discuss the result of the deputation's interview with the Premier on Saturday. General dissatisfaction was expressed that Ministers had not made proposals likely to lead to the settlement of the difficulty. The Mayor said there was an impression that it was desirable to go to the Governor. Major Atkinson, while confessing that he was not satisfied with the promises of ministers, he counselled the settlers should put aside political feeling, and wait a few days longer. Mr. Richmond said that atrocities might be committed any moment. He moved a resolution asking the Government to put the district into a complete state of defence, and to inform Natives that if they attempted any violence their settlements would be at once destroyed. Mr. Standish, in seconding the resolution, said that while hoping war might be averted, he urged the duty of being prepared for any emergency. Many settlers are in expectancy of imminent hostilities, and stated that the country people were in fear of being murdered in their beds. The resolution was agreed to, and was presented to the Premier yesterday afternoon. Sir George Grey promised to send reinforcements and to consider affairs without delay. A large number of those in the room, headed by the Mayor, enrolled themselves as volunteers. The Governor, who is still here, went out yesterday with a party of gentlemen to enjoy some shooting. On his way His Excellency had an opportunity of seeing how the Maories defy the law, for they were hard at work, ploughing up Courtney's grass paddock. I A volunteer corps has been formed at Waitara, and at Okato the settlers are forming another corps.